Baseball game



June 5, 1928. 1,672,478

L. M. WIBLE BASEBALL GAME Filed June l1, 192'? 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 J I 1 @l I June 5, 1928, y 1,672,478

l.. M. wlBLE BASEBALL GAME Filed June 11, 1927 s sheetssheet 2 gin 1% 3a g55 49 ig gg 7 34 50 if; 1 9 79 35 Z0 J1 75L-f 20 Z1 36 32 52 Zz 34 67 35' 5a g2# 2f ze 35 2a f4 5*# 25 1a 39 ff 5:6' ,nl 24 if 40 a, .56 ,xm 25 if 41 il 57 ze 2 42 .55 Z714 4.? 15' .619 26 26' 44 27 60 29 2.9 46' 50 61 30 17 46 1a 62 31 4'7 6 65' 53, 32 52?43 m64 June 5, 192s.

L. M. wlBLE BASEBALL GAME Enga June 11. mv

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 5, 1928. 1,672,478

l.. M. wlBLE BASEBALL GAME Filed June 11, 1927 6 sheets-Smet 5 f.' ff f ,w f

1 64 SAFE OUT T 17 9 35V? .-.LnO

L j Z7 y L7 I Z8 J L y L j v ',ZZ.

l v i sa f-- PITCHER w Q6 STEAL L l 4J y Z Z I V @ae/fdr [Zqye/lZ//Lle l J y y f?? #j ,QM/M

Patented June 5, 1928.

UNITED STA LLOYD H. WILE, 0F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

BASEBALL GAME.

Application nica :une 11, 1927. serial 1ro. manos.

This invention relates to games and more particularly toimitation games obase ball. One object is to provide a game that is highly novel and amusing and at the same time scientific inasmuch as many opportunities are frequently offered to each of the players and his success in the game will depend upon his sharp perception of the same.

To admirers of the game of baseball the present game is a never failing source of interest and due to this fact it isa mental stimulant to the brain weary as Well as a welcome diversion to all the find their daily routine more or less monotonous.

'lhc invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts to be hereinafter fully described, pointed out in the appended claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which forma part of this application and in which- Fig. 1 is a plan view of the game board employed.

Fig. 1 is an edge view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 2 shows a plan and edge view of the type of marker employed.

Fig.3 is a plan view of a chart employed.

Fig. 4 is a similar view of another chart.

Figs. 5 and 6 are edge views, respectively, of Figs. 3 and 4.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the score chart or board.

Fig. 8 is an edge view of Fig. 7.

Figs. 9 to 19 inclusive ,are plan views of the several cards comprising a deck known as the runners choice deck.

Fig. 20 is an edge View of one of the cards of that deck.

Figs. 21, 22 and 23 are plan views of Cards comprising a steal deck.

Fig. 24 is an edge view of Fig. 21.

Figs. 25 to 30 inclusive are plan views of the pitchers deck.

Figs .31 to 40 inclusive are plan views of a deck known as the fielders choice.

Fig. 41 is an edge View of Fig. 31.

Many imitation base ball games have been devised but for one reason or another they fail to be of absorbing interest after one is thoroughly familiar with them or has played them over a period of time; Due to the great variety of possible plays in the present game, its close adherence to the established rules of the real game, and the often totally unexpected manner in which' tight situations may develop and work out the present game will doubtless rove to "be a ve icle capable of arousing an sustaining the acute interest of all fans who become ac uainted with it.

he `game comprises a board whereon the ball'eld is depicted, colors preferably being used to contrast the infield against the outfield and the diamond a ainst both; a chart representing the score ard, a chart comprising a so-called base hit schedule; a chart known as the over'the plate chart or schedule which is used to determine the luck' or fate of the man at bat, four sets or decks of cards and two sets of men or markers whereby the game is advanced through the several innings.

The game is played upon a game board A preferabl square and divided into nine principal sections, each of which 'is dominated by a player and each section is divided into two or more parts. The catcher dominates the parts 1 and 2 of the section at the home plate B. The pitcher from his box at 5 dominates the parts 3, 4 and 5. The third baseman dominates the section about third base 'C comprising the parts 6, 7, 14 and 15. The

shortstop dominates the section to one side of second base D and comprising the parts 8, 9, 16 and 17. The second baseman dominates the section to the opposite, or right, side of second base comprising the parts 10, 11, 18, 19. The first baseman dominates the section about first base E and comprising the parts 12, 13,'20 and 21. The left fielder dominates the section comprising the parts 22, 23, 28 and 29. The center fielder dominates the section comprising the parts 24, 25, 30 and 31, and the right fielder dominates the section comprising the parts 26, 27, 32 and 33. The bleachers are denoted by the numerals 34, 35 and 36.

Two individuals play the game and each is provided with a complete set of twelve markers F, each set representin the players of one ball team, the markers o one set being of one color to distin ish them from the markers of the opposing set, all of which are, of course, of another color. One set or team is playing in the field while the opposite set or team is at bat.

The team in the field may have one man in the catchers box, one man in the itchers box, denoted bythe dotted circle The first baseman may occupy either the part 20 or 21 but he must select and occupy one of said parts as denotedby the dotted circle H, although during the game at an vtime he may move to the part 20 if desire Second baseman may occupy either the part 18 or 19 as denoted by the dotted circle I. Shortstop may occupy either the part 16 or 17 as denoted by the dotted circle J. Third baseman may occupy either the part 14 or 15 as denoted by the dotted circle K. Right fielder may occupy either the part 32 or 33 as denoted by the dotted circle L. Center fielder may occupy either the part 30 or 31 as de noted by the ldotted circle` M and the left fielder may occupy either the part 28 or 29 as denoted by the dotted circle N. The foregoing is the preferred location of the eld team although positions somewhat closer in may be selected if desired so long as one man is not located outside the section he dominates.

The team at bat may place a man, denoted by the dotted circle O upon the home plate. The team in the field is provided With three decks of cards, the pitchers deck, the steal deck and the elders choice deck. The pitchers deck is composed of sixty-four cards, each of which upon one side bears the word Pitcher and upon the opposite side, or the face, in duplicate, some number from one to sixty-four inclusive as shown in Figs. 25 to 30 inclusive. posed of ten cards, each of which bears upon its back the word Steal; five of said cards having the word Safe duplicated upon each face and five have the word Out duplicated upon each face. The fielders choice deck comprises ten cards, each of which has upon its back the words F ielders choice. Two of these cards have upon their faces, in duplicate, the abbreviations 1B-Out, 2B-Out, 3B-Out, I-I. P.-Out, the abbreviations standing for -first base, -second base-, -third base-, and home plate-, this card being shown in Fig. 40. The remaining cards shown from Fig. 32 to Fig. 39 inclusive have in duplicate upon their faces: 1B-Safe, 2B-()ut, 3B-Ont, I-I. P.Ont, in Fig. 32. 1B-Out, 2B-Safe, 3B- Out, ,ll P.-Out, in Fig. 33. 1B-Out, 2B-Out, 3B-Safe, H. P.-Out, in Fig. 34. 1B-Out, 2B-Out, 3B-

` Out, I-I. P.-Safe, in Fig. 35. 1B-Safe on error. 2B-Out, 3B-Out, H. Pr- Out, in Fig. 36. 1B-Out, 2B-Safe on error, 3B-Out, H. P.-Out, in Fig. 37. 1B-Out, 2B--Out, 3B-Safe on er- 2B-Out, 3B-Out, H. P.-Safe on error, in Fig. 39.

The team at bat is provided with one deck of ten cards entitled the Runners choice and each card has upon its back the words Runners choice. Four of said cards bear upon their faces the notations, in duplicate,

The steal deck is com- 2B-Stay, 3B-Try for H. P. as shown in Figs. 9 to 12-inc1'usive. Four'cards bear upon their faces the notations, in duplicate, 2B-Try for 3B, 3B-Stay, as shown in Figs. 13 to 16 inclusive. Two cards bear upon their faces the notations, in duplicate, 2li- Try for 3B, 3B-Try for H. P., aS shown in Figs. `17 and 18.

Rules for playing the scientific baseball game. n

The playing field is divided into nine sections, (one for each player), and each section divided into two or more parts.

The space (over the plate) is divided into the same number of squares asthere are total parts in the nine sections.

This space is divided intotwo' parts (high and low) divided by double horizontal line in center.

A ball pitched over the plate must be inside the heavy line that lruns parallel With the four sides of the diagram.

The pitchers deck contains the same number of cards as there are squares in the space (over the pla'te)-64.

Each card Atells whether the ball is hit or not by referring to the space (over the plate).

Before the pitcher turns over his card, the batter guesses whether the pitcher is going to throw the ball high or low (calling high or low). Thenthe pitcher turns over his card. If the batter guessed right, and the ball came over the plate, the ball is hit.- Refer the number pitched to the hit schedule card which denotes Where the ball is hit. If the batter guesses right, but the ball does not come over the plate it is a foul ball. If the batter guesses wrong, it is a strike. The batter can call pass, and if the ball is offside of the plate it is a ball, but if it is inside it is called a strike. If batter hits to a number that a fielder is occupying, it is a flyout.

The runners choice deck contains ten cards. This is used when a batter hits to an infielder where a play is to be made. If the runner is forced to run, it is not necessary to use the deck, but if he is not forced to run, the top card should be turned over denoting whether the runner is trying to reach the next base or not. (After this is done, the fielders choice deck is used to completethe play). This deck is not to be used for steallng. The steal deck is used for that'purpose.

The fielders choice deck contains ten cards, telling Whether the batter is out at first or runner out at 2nd, 3rd or the home plate after the man playing the defense names which he is going to play on.

Double plays can be made on 1st and 2nd, 2nd and 3rd and home plate or home plate and 1st according to fielders choice. Two cards must be turned over for a double pla The lielders choice deck is to be used on y `a single, if runner is on base,

when a ground ball is hit to an infielder, and is never used for picking men off-base napping Playing on batter or runner.--If the ball is hit in front of the pitcher or in either of the spaces in front of any infelder, the fielder has the right to play on the batter or any runnell if there are any on base.

The steal deck contains ten cards. If the runner chooses to steal a base, the top card is turned over denoting whether he is safe or out.

How hits are mada- If the ball is hit to the side of an infielder, it is a single. If hit directly in front of an outfielder, it is a single. If hit to the front and side of an outfielder it is double. If hit on the side of an outfielder, itis a triple. If hit in the bleachers #34, #35, or #36, it is a home run. If fouled to the catcher#1, it is a foul out.

Advancing of manera-If the batter hits he advances one base. If a double, he advances two bases. If a triple, he'advances to home plate, scoring. If a home run, every runner on base scores ahead of the batter.

Positions of @Idem-The fielder-s may be placed on the following numbers: catchers, #1; pitcher, #5; first baseman, #20 or #21; second baseman, #18 or #19;*shor'tstop, #16 or #17 third baseman, #14 or #15; left fielder, #28 or #29; center fielder, #3() or #31; right fielder, #32 or Markers for playing /eZcL--This game is equipped with twenty-four markers (two colors-twelve each). The two different colored chips represent the two opposing teams. lVhen batter is up, the marker representing his team is placed on the home plate. lWhen runner is on base, a marker is laced on that base. Markers are also placed) on the numbers given for the inficlders and outfielders.

Shuying of Garder-The runners choice deck, fielders choice deck, and steal deck are shuled each time a card is turned over of any of those decks. The pitcher goes straight through his deck until' there are three outs.

The score card describes play by play of the game. At the left side are numbers 1 to 9 to the right of which are put the names of the players, otherwise known as the lineup. To the right of the lineup is found nine columns, one for each inning of the game where the plays are tabulated. In every column after each players name are oblong spaces each comprisingv eight squares in which the plays are marked. In the upper left hand corner is a key to the marking of the score card, namely: One base hit, Two base hit, Three base hit, Home run, Fly out, Base on balls, Strikeout and Out. The Out being used only when a four sides of the batter hits a ground ball and is thrown out at first base, or if a runner is run down on a forceout or when a doubleplay is executed. When a batter hits a ground ball and a `runner is forced out, the batter is'safe at `first base, an X being marked in the square one base hit after his name as it was not a single, but a forceout. Other plays are marked with a dash through the square designated for the play, thus -To the right of the nine columns are the individual totalsof players and at the bottom of these totals, the team totals are marked. 'At the top the score b innings is kept.

Pldy ba .-The player playing the field team takes the pitches deck in his hand, faces down.` He is about to turn over the top card of the deck todetermine the move of the man at bat. The layer first guesses whether the pitcher is a out to deliver a high ball or a low ball and his guess is expressed by speaking audibly either the word high or the word low. By reference to the Over the plate chart, Fig. 4 a diagram having rows of numbers thereon is ound beside the figure of the batter.

line P running parallel with the Over the plate diagram as over the plate double A heavy separates the figures known from thefigures that are oifside. A

line Q,.running horizontally in the center of the diagram separates the figures, namely-high from low.

Assuming the player guesses high and turns over the top card of the deck and upon its face is found the number 1, by referring to the chart in Fig. 4 he finds the number`1 is outside lthe line P. VThe player has therefore won his guess, as the ball came over high, but as the ball came over oliside ythe plate it is a foul ball, in effect, a strike.

The player now makes another guess and assuming that he now again guesses high and the next card of the deck is turned over which is found to carry the number 28 which, by reference to the over the plate chart is found above the line Q showing that it is high, and inside the line P showing that the ball was pitched over the plate. Therefore, the batter guessed right, and as the ball came over the plate the ball was hit. Now, by referring to the Base hit schedule, Fig. 3, the number column is found and immediately to the right in the Field No. column the number 26 is found. This number is referred to the ball field, Fig. 1, where the space 26 is found denoting a part of the section 32 and y33 dominated by the rightfielder but who happens to be playing in the part 33. He was therefore unable to get the ball and the batter hit a double which is marked to his credit upon the score board, Fig. 7. If the home team, Fig. 7 was the team at bat at the time andthe first batter was Mostil,

28 in the Pitch No.

g After 2-B is found he would have registered one hit as there {,abulated, and he would now be on second ase.

The batter now makes a thirdv guess and thistime guesses low. The next cardis turned over and is found to be number 42. He has guessed right. B referring to the Over the plate chart, ig. 4, it is found to be below the line Q and inside the line P, therefore the ball was hit. By referring now to the Base hit schedule, Fig. 3, the figure 42 in the Pitch No. column has to the right of it in the Field N o. column the number 3. This number is referred to the ball field, Fig; 1, where the space 3 is found denoting a part of the section 5 dominated by the pitcher, who is playing in section 5. He was therefore unable to get the ball on the fly. It is a ground ball to the pitcher. In this instance, we have 'a runner on second base and the pitcher who has picked up the ground ball hit has the privilege of either trying to throw the batter out at first base or the runner out at third base should the runner choose to try for third base. As there is no runner on first base, the runner on second is not forced to run, therefore he can have his choice Whether to remain at second or try for third. The runners choice deck now is used. The deck is shuffled and the top card turned over. Try for 3rd. The runner has chosen to try for third base. The pitcher now names the man he is going to play on. Naturally he would play on the runner going to third base. The ielders choicetdeck is shufiled and the top card turned over. After 3-B is found the word 0ut. Therefore he was forced out by the batter, an out being marked against his name on the score board, Fig. 7. The batter is safe at first base, being credited with a force-out on the score board, Fig. 7, an X being marked in the square designated for a. one base hit.

Another guess is now made, this time the batter calls high The next card of the d pitchers deck is turned over showing the number 29. By referring to the Over the plate chart, Fig. 4, the number 29 is found above the line Q and inside the line P. Therefore the batter won his guess and the ball was hit. By referrin to the base hit schedule, Fig. 3` to the rig t of number 29 in the Pitch No. column is found the number 29 in the Field No. column. Now, by referring to the ball field the number 29 is found to be a-(part of the section 28 and 29 and which is ominated by the left fielder N, but who happens to be playing in section 28. Therefore he was unable to get the ball and the batter has registered a three base hit which is credited to him on the score board. The runner who was on first base hasscored a run. He is given lcredit for a 'run on the 'score board.

In this manner the player having the team at bat continues to guess while one card of the pitchers deck is turned over at a time until his team makes three outs. The sides then change and t-he score is marked upon the board, Fig. 7 and the player having the field tea-m takes the pitchers deck and carries on.

The rules of the well known game of base ball prevail otherwise and,` of course, the side to score the greatest number of runs in nine innings Wins the game.

lVhat is claimed is 1. In an imitation base ball game, a game board representing a base ball eld comprising the infield, outfield, bleachers and diamond visually distinguishable one from the other, two sets of visually distinguishable markers for play over the field, a base hit schedule chart, an over the plate chart, said charts being readable one upon the other in connection with said game board, and a plurality of decks of cards having facial indicia readable in connection Wit-h said game board and with saidover the plate chart.

2. In an imitation base ball game, a game board having indicia thereon and representing a base ball field comprising the infield, outfield, bleachers and diamond visually distinguishable from each other, two sets of visually distinguishable lmarkers for pla over the field, a base hit schedule chart aving indicia. thereon, an over the plate chart having indicial thereon readable in connection with the indicia of said base hit schedule chart and of the said game board, and a plurality of decks of cards having facial indicia readable in connection with the indicia of said game board and of said over the plate chart.

3. In an imitation base ball game, a game board representin a base ball field comprising the infiel outfield, bleachers and iamond visually distinguishable from each other, two sets of visually distinguishable markers for play over the field, a base hit schedule ch'art, an over the plate chart, said 'charts being readable one upon the other in connection with said game board, a plurality'of decks of cards havingl facial indicia readable in connection with said game board and with said over the plate chart, and a score board for tabulating the progress and totals resulting from the said readings.

4. In an imitation baseball game, a. game g board having indicia thereon and representing a. base ball field comprising the infield, outfield, bleachers and diamond visually distinguishable from each other, two sets of visually distinguishable markers for play over the field, a base hit schedule chart having indicia thereon, an over the plate chart having indicia thereon readable in connection with the indicia of said base hit schedule chart and of said game an element dividing out certain of the indicia of said over the plate chart in a predetermined manner anda plurality of decks of cards having facial indicia readable in connection with the indicia of said game -board and of said over the plate chart. Y

5. In an imitation base ball game, a game board having facial indicia thereon and representing a base ball field comprising the iniield, outeld, bleachers and diamond visually distin ishable from each other, two sets of visuallyl distinguishable markers for play over saidv board, a base hit'schedule chart having indicia thereon, an over the plate chart having indicia thereon readable in connection wlth the indicia of said base hit schedule chart and of said game board, an element dividing the indicia of said over the plate chart, a plurality of decks of cards having facial indiciarreadable in connection with the indicia 0f Said game board and of said over theplate chart, and a score board for tabulating the progress and tot-als resulting from the said readings.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto aixed my signature.

LLOYD M. WIBLE. 

